We at Taste Magazine Cincinnati receive all kinds of press releases each month - most of which are interesting but may not have a place within the pages of our publication. This blog is their home and where you have the opportunity to judge their value yourself.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Tollhouse Becomes Cafe

A cafe has opened at the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto on the site of a former tollhouse.Called "Toll Gate Cafe", the restaurant will seat about 15 people with an additional 25 people on the adjacent outdoor patio.

Featuring bourbon-inspired foods with seasonal sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages and using mostly Kentucky products, the restaurant is catered by Kasey Dendinger of Catering Creations.

"Our visitors have requested an eating establishment on our grounds as many like to spend the day here, enjoying the native plants and our arboretum", said Bill Samuels Jr., president of Maker's Mark.

Overseeing the project was director of visitors relations, Sydina Bradshaw. "We wanted to keep the look and feel of the surrounding buildings as well as the former tollhouse, while making the entire area enjoyable for families and friends."

The first tollhouse was built around 1885, going through the Burks Springs Farm, as most Kentucky roads did. While the "Toll Gate Cafe" has been rebuilt using the original specs, and now with modern conveniences, the place is decorated with old photos of the area and replicas of the old signs at the tollhouse.

The cafe will be open seven (7) days a week from 11:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday thru Saturday and from 12 Noon to 5 PM on Sunday. Group reservations are accepted by calling the Cafe at 270.865.4982.

Currently the Cafe is offering 25 items with prices ranging from under a dollar to $5.99, and includes eight (8) sandwiches and six (6) side items along with various desserts and beverages. A kid’s meal is available for $2.99.For further information and directions, the public (over 21 years of age) also can visit the Maker's Mark website, www.makersmark.com.